Institute Insider

The Humphrey Institute will cosponsor "America's Children and U.S. Immigration Enforcement: Is Anybody Looking Out for the Best Interests of the Children?" on Tuesday, April 14, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in Cowles Auditorium. When U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detain and subsequently deport undocumented workers, what happens to the children of those workers, many of whom were born in the U.S. and, by law, are U.S. citizens? A new report, Severing a Lifeline: The Neglect of Citizen Children in America's Immigration Enforcement Policy, takes a detailed look at the impact of immigration law and enforcement policy upon citizen children. The study's authors contend that immigration laws are out of step with the way children are treated in other areas of U.S. law and, at best, marginalize, and, at worst, totally ignore the children's status as citizens. A distinguished panel will lead a discussion of these issues. Speakers include Katherine Fennelly, professor, Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs; Joseph Dierkes, retired immigration judge, U.S. Department of Justice; James Kremer, partner, Dorsey & Whitney; Representative Carlos Mariani, Minnesota House of Representatives; and Esther Wattenberg, professor, University of Minnesota School of Social Work.

This event is free and open to the public. This event also is sponsored by Dorsey & Whitney LLP, Center for Urban and Regional Affairs, Immigrant History Research Center, Human Rights Program, Midwest Coalition for Human Rights, Family and Children's Service, University of Minnesota Law School, and Jewish Community Action.